An exploration in clay and atmosphere.
Jethro Lynch is a ceramicist based in West Cornwall, creating soda-fired functional ware from his studio nestled in the rural landscape. Working with a variety of clays and slips, he has developed a rich and varied colour palette that reflects both material exploration and a deep sensitivity to surface. The unpredictability of the soda-firing process plays a central role in his practice, producing nuanced textures and subtle finishes that make each piece unique. Rooted in function yet expressive in character, Jethro’s work balances utility with the quiet beauty of handmade form.
What is soda firing?
Soda firing is an atmospheric kiln process in which a solution of sodium carbonate is introduced into the kiln at high temperatures. The soda vaporises and reacts with the silica in the clay and slips, creating a glaze on the surface of the pots. This interaction produces variations in colour and texture, the flame and soda leaving behind flashes of colour, movement and depth across the form. No matter how much the process is controlled, soda firing will always retain an inherent unpredictability, giving each piece distinctive surface qualities shaped by flame, atmosphere and placement within the kiln.
